Mount Elden

Wednesday August 25 2021

This is apparently a very popular hiking destination – The parking lot was full when I arrived – Checked Google Maps and found the Flagstaff Ranger Station was very close and temporarily closed – Took a chance and parked there – A sidewalk parallel to Hwy 89 is accessible from there that leads to the Elden Lookout Trail – Relatively short at 6.3 miles, Elden doesn’t fool around with a gradual ascent – It’s steep steps with some scrambling required – I used trekking poles for the most of it and used gloves as well – Unlike many hikes with false summits, the Elden Lookout is visible from the trailhead – The majority of the hike is exposed with very little shade – It was a rather warm day – I took advantage of the few shade trees there were – Unfortunately, I did not keep my heartrate at or below 80% and suffered for it – A lesson I would apply at Kendrick Peak on Friday – The lookout appeared occupied, though I never saw the lookout when I reached the summit – Took some photos and a video and started my descent – The views were to say the least, INCREDIBLE !